Dr. Charles Henry McGinnis Jr.

Dr. Charles Henry McGinnis, Jr., age 91, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026 surrounded by his loving family in his final days. He was born on November 24, 1934 in Belleville, New Jersey.

Gifted with a scientific mind, Chuck earned a Ph.D. in avian physiology from Michigan State University, where he was inducted into Sigma Xi, the scientific research honor society. He also earned an M.S. from Purdue University and a B.S. from Rutgers University, where he served as president of the Poultry Science Club and censor of the Alpha Zeta Honorary Agriculture Fraternity. He began his career teaching veterinary science at the University of Minnesota before joining Hess & Clark in Ohio in 1968 and Rhone Poulenc in Georgia in 1980. During his career, he conducted research and lectured worldwide.

Joining the Air Force as a lieutenant in 1956, he became a pilot and led air traffic control operations. He remained a member of the Reserves until his honorable discharge as a captain in 1971.

His faith brought him joy as he raised his family in the church and was active for many years within the Presbyterian Church in North St. Paul, Minnesota; Ashland, Ohio and at Roswell Presbyterian Church in Georgia. He served the church in many capacities, such as youth group leader, Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder.

A man of many talents, Chuck was an avid ham radio operator who achieved the highest license level, Extra Class. His love of music led him to play the harmonica and to build and play the mountain dulcimer whose melodies filled the home. He also found great satisfaction in woodworking. For years, he biked the Big Creek Greenway, and through age 90, he continued to walk 3 to 6 miles each day with his beloved Welsh terrier, Lexie Ann.

His family remembers him for his loyalty, honesty, dad humor and his unconditional love.

Chuck is survived by his cherished wife of 70 years, Gertrude “Trudy” (Westenburger) McGinnis; his daughter, Cailin Thelen, and her husband, Jeff; his son, Todd McGinnis, and his wife, Georgia; and his granddaughters, Olivia McGinnis and Valentina Thelen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (Sergel) and Charles Henry McGinnis, Sr. and sister, Margaret “Pat” Brown.

Memorial service arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Roswell Funeral Home is honored to serve the McGinnis family.